Pharmacologic vitreodynamics and molecular flux.

Several enzymatic agents, such as autologous plasmin enzyme and recombinant microplasmin, are able to cause vitreous liquefaction and a complete posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Advancements in research have helped to explain the complex interactions that occur in the vitreous cavity after a PVD is created. The development of a PVD is a dynamic process that is thought to have a larger impact on the vitreous cavity milieu than just a separation of the posterior cortical vitreous from the retina. Pharmacologic vitreodynamics attempts to explain the mechanical and biochemical changes that occur at the vitreoretinal junction after a PVD is formed. The flow of molecules into and out of the vitreous cavity and across the vitreoretinal junction is thought to be influenced by the presence or absence of a PVD. A microplasmin-induced PVD has been shown to alter the vitreous levels of several molecules, and a PVD may have a protective role in multiple diseases. Significant progress has been made in the field of pharmacologic vitreodynamics. As we improve our understanding of the molecular flux in the vitreous cavity, pharmacologic vitreodynamics will likely become more important as it may allow for improved manipulation of intravitreal molecules. Copyright 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.